First Aid for Cats and Dogs

In order to determine your pet’s breathing rate:

Watch your pet and observe how many times their chest rises and falls in one minute.

Dog normal breathing rate:

10 to 30 breaths per minute, or up to 200 pants per minute (breathing with mouth open and tongue out)

Cat normal breathing rate:

20 to 30 breaths per minute

Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

Is used to assess your pet’s circulation. In order to test it for yourself, press your finger against your pet’s gums and then release the pressure. For cats and dogs it should take anywhere from 1 to 2 seconds to return to its normal pink colour.

A prolonged CRT may indicate your pet may be in, or going into?

Shock

Some causes of dehydration include:

Not eating or drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination

If left untreated severe dehydration can cause:

Serious organ damage and even death.

You can determine if your pet is dehydrated by:

Pulling up on the skin between their shoulder blades and gently twisting. When let go, the skin should spring right back in place. If it stays tented, this can be a sign of dehydration.

Important Note: Older animals' skin may stay tented for a bit longer as they?

Lose elasticity in their skin with age.

Typically, an elevated temperature can be indicative of:

Infection or inflammation, and can signify serious health issues.

How do you test a pet for their temperature?

Apply water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly to a digital thermometer, and gently insert the instrument into your pet’s rectum (just below the tail). When the thermometer beeps, remove the instrument and read the number.

Normal body temperature for both cats and dogs is between?

37.5 and 39.2 degrees Celsius (99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit)

What sort of pulse can be indicative of serious health disorders?

A too slow or elevated pulse

If you notice a heart rate or pulse that is too slow or elevated, you should?

Take your pet to the veterinarian for an examination.

You can feel your pet’s heartbeat at the point where their?

Left elbow touches their chest (about the fifth rib).

How do you move your pet to check for heartbeat?

Lay down your pet on their right side and place your hand over this area to feel and count heartbeats.

You can check your pet’s pulse rate by?

Laying them down and touching your middle and index fingers to the inside of their upper hind leg. Lift the hind leg away from the body, and place two fingers as high as possible, just where the leg meets the body wall; this recess is where the blood vessels run, and where you’ll find the pulse.

Normal hearts and pulses by pet:

• Puppy (less than 1 year old): 120 to 160 beats per minute

• Small breed dog: 100 to 140 beats per minute

• Medium to large breed dog: 60 to 100 beats per minute

• Cats: 160 to 220 beats per minute

Your pet’s mucous membranes are the:

Inner cheeks and gums. Pull back your pet’s lips and examine their gums.

A healthy mucous membrane appears?

Pink and feels moist.

What are unhealthy gums like?

If the gums are pale, white, or any other colour, this can be indicative of serious health issues and emergencies, in which case you should seek immediate professional care. Dry, sticky or tacky-feeling gums are indicators of dehydration.

ABCs

Check Airway

Check Breathing

Check Circulation

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is used to?

Help your pet by trying to preserve blood flow to the brain and heart. When done properly, CPR may help your pet survive longer in emergency situations until professional help can be given to your pet.

CPR should only be delivered after?

Determining that your pet is not breathing properly and has no circulation by checking their ABCs.

Checking airway

Open the pet's airway and check to see if there is a foreign object blocking the airway, which would need to be removed.

If the pet's airway is clear, check for breathing and a pulse.

Checking breathing

To check your pet’s breathing, place your cheek next to the animal’s nose to feel if there is air coming out.

Checking circulation

There are two ways to check your pet's pulse:

1. Gently place your hand on the left side of the chest, right above where your pet's elbow touches the chest.

2. Or lightly touch their inner thigh with your index and middle fingers.

If you cannot find breathing or a pulse after 15 seconds, begin to?

Perform CPR with chest compressions.

Chest compressions: Cats and small dogs (less than 15 pounds) —> One-handed technique

Wrap your hand around the sternum just behind the front legs, at the level of the heart, with your thumb on the upper side and the rest of your fingers beneath.

Chest compressions: Cats and small dogs (less than 15 pounds) —> Two-handed technique

Place one hand over the other, with the heel of your hand directly over the heart. Lock your elbows. Your shoulders should be above your hands. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest. Make sure the chest fully recoils before compressing again

Chest compressions: Medium to large round-chested dogs

Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc.

Place one hand over the other, with the heel of your hand placed on the highest or widest part of the chest. Lock your elbows. Your shoulders should be above your hands. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest. Make sure the chest fully recoils before compressing again

Chest compressions: Medium to large deep-, narrow-, keel-chested dogs

Greyhounds, Doberman Pinschers, etc.

Place one hand over the other, with the heel of your hand directly over the heart. Lock your elbows. Your shoulders should be above your hands. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest. Make sure the chest fully recoils before compressing again.

Chest compressions: Barrel-, flat-chested dogs

Boston Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, etc.

Place the dog on its back. Place one hand over the other, with the heel of your hand on the highest part of the sternum. Lock your elbows. Your shoulders should be above your hands. Compress 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the chest. Make sure the chest fully recoils before compressing again.

CPR Cycles

30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

How to complete the CPR

• Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.

• To open the airway, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend the neck.

• Cover the nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise.

• Give a rescue breath over 1 second.

What do you briefly check for every 2 minutes?

Briefly check for a heartbeat and spontaneous breathing.

Continue CPR until you reach a?

Veterinary Hospital

Choking occurs when?

Either food or a toy has gotten stuck inside your pet’s throat and is obstructing airflow. This can quickly become fatal if your pet is unable to start breathing again soon.

Signs that your pet may be choking include?

Anxiousness, acting frantic, lack of breathing, loud breathing or struggling to breathe, bluish or white gums, and pawing at their mouth.

The goal in treating choking is to?

Remove any foreign objects that may be lodged in your pet's throat.

First Approach for choking

Open the mouth and pull the tongue forward; sweep inside with your finger to dislodge an object if your pet allows. Be cautious not to get bitten if your pet is frantic.

• Be careful not to push the object back further.

Perform 5 rapid abdominal thrusts, lifting inward and upward.

• Stand behind or lift the dog or cat with their spine against your chest.

• Wrap your arms under their ribs.

• Make a fist with one hand, and place your other hand over it.

• Deliver abdominal thrusts.

Second approach for choking

If the object does not come out, suspend the pet by the hips with the head hanging down.

• If they are too heavy to hold, lift their hind legs.

• Use the palm of your hand to give 5 sharp blows between their shoulder blades.

  • After each step, check the mouth for the object if it has not come out.

  • If your pet has stopped breathing, give rescue breaths on your way to the veterinary hospital.

  • Monitor the heartbeat and start chest compressions if necessary.

There are two types of serious bleeding:

Arterial bleeding

Venal bleeding

Arterial bleeding

Characterized by rhythmically spurting blood, is more rapid and profuse and therefore more difficult to stop.

Venal bleeding

Slower and may be less profuse. It is much easier to stop and less dangerous (unless a large vein is involved).

Step 1 to control bleeding

Apply direct pressure using gauze over the bleeding site.

If blood soaks through, apply more gauze.

Direct pressure is the safest way to stop bleeding until you can reach a veterinary hospital. Where you apply the pressure depends on the type of bleeding.

Step 2 for bleeding

If blood is spurting, hold the area just above the wound with your hand.

If it is flowing heavily, but not spurting, hold the area just below the site.

Step 3 for bleeding

Apply a gauze square or sponge to the wound, followed by gauze wrap or other soft material and cling wrap around the wound.

Secure bandage with tape ensuring not to apply too tightly.

Step 4 for bleeding

Check for swelling.

Check repeatedly for swelling above and below the bandage, which indicates your bandage is too tight and you need to loosen it.

Step 5 for bleeding

Elevate the wound if the leg does not seem to be broken.

Continue to apply direct pressure.

Step 6 for bleeding

Take your pet to the vet immediately.

Once the wound has been secured, a veterinarian's assistance is required to make sure the wound is taken care of to heal properly.

Abrasions

Scrapes to the skin’s top layers—can be shallow and heal easily, or can be large and more serious.

What could a pet do with abrasions?

Your pet may lick or scratch the area, which may appear red or ooze blood.

To care for an abrasion, follow these steps:

1. Apply a sterile, water-soluble lubricant and then clip hair around the wound with grooming clippers. The lubricant will keep hair from contaminating the wound while you shave the area.

2. Flush and wash the wound with warm water or saline solution. This will remove the lubricant and wash away any remaining dirt or debris.

3. Call your vet to discuss the wound.

If you did not observe the bite when it occurred, signs include:

A small wound or puncture in the skin, swelling, bleeding, and bruising. Other systemic signs include lethargy and anorexia if left untreated.

Pets bitten by other animals need?

Veterinary attention to prevent the wound, regardless how large or small, from getting infected.

Smaller pets may be shaken by bigger animals during a bite, which can result in?

Internal injuries.

All bite wounds should be evaluated as there can be?

Substantial injury underneath the superficial wound.

Bite wound infections usually appear when? Signs?

1 to 2 days after the incident. Signs include:

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the affected area

• Swelling or abscesses near the wound

Lacerations

Long or deep cuts that will most likely result in bleeding.

Lacerations need to be taken care of immediately so that they may be able to heal properly…how?

1. Check your pet’s ABCs and perform CPR if needed.

2. Stop the bleeding with direct pressure.

3. For small wounds, flush and wash with warm water or saline solution.

4. Cover the area with a clean cloth, and seek veterinary care. Many lacerations will require sutures/stitches.

Pad wounds are typically caused by?

Stepping on sharp objects such as glass or thorns. Apply direct pressure if there is bleeding.

Step 1 for pad wounds

Wash the area with warm soapy water or saline solution

Rinse with warm water.

Once the area has been cleaned, dry the foot off.

Step 2 for pad wounds

Place tape stirrups.

Bandage the foot by placing a strip of adhesive tape on each side of the foot, starting several inches above the wound and extending several inches past the bottom of the foot. The tape should go directly on the fur.

This tape acts like stirrups to hold the bandage in place.

Step 3 for pad wounds

Place gauze.

Place a nonstick pad or gauze sponge over the wound.

Wrap the paw with gauze roll, starting from the toes and ending just above the ankle or wrist.

Pull the ends of the sticky tape over the end of the gauze roll bandage as far as it will go, with the sticky part twisted to face and adhere to the bandage.

Step 4 for pad wounds

Wrap up the area.

Place an elastic or cling roll bandage over the cotton, working from the toes to the wrist or ankle. Make sure you unroll the amount of bandage you will need before placing it so that it will not be too tight.

Make sure the bandage is not too tight by checking for swelling in the toes or above the bandage, and take your pet to a veterinary hospital.

Seizures can be the result of?

Problems in the brain (central nervous system) or outside of the brain.

Central nervous system seizures:

Some causes include idiopathic epilepsy, infection or inflammation in the brain, vascular accident (bleed or clot), brain tumours, head trauma, malformation of the brain (birth defect), or scar tissue in the brain.

Non-central nervous system seizures:

Some causes include low blood sugar, low blood calcium, organ failure, or poisoning.

During an active seizure, your pet will often

Fall over, twitch, urinate, defecate, and drool.

In something called a tonic-clonic (or grand mal) seizure, your pet may

Fall over and be stiff and rigid.

Chewing gum seizure

Some seizures may look like your pet is just staring into space or biting at invisible things

After a seizure, the animal may be?

Disoriented, walk into walls, or appear to be blind.

How else can dogs and cats act after having a seizure?

May also behave normally after a seizure.

What must to make sure of when your pet is seizing?

Make sure your pet is in a safe place.

Do not attempt to restrain your pet. Allow them to have space, without any objects or furniture nearby that may injure them.

Keep your hands away from your pet’s mouth, and do not disturb them. Why?

Your pet may not know who you are during their seizure and may bite you in response. You do not need to worry about trying to hold their tongue during a seizure: your pet will not swallow their tongue.

Call your vet and bring your pet to the vet if:

• This is your pet’s first seizure.

• The seizure lasts longer than 3 to 4 minutes.

• Your pet does not seem to be recovering from a seizure.

• Your pet has had multiple seizures in a 24-hour period.

Medications for seizures

If a specific cause is found, your pet will be started on medication for it.

Anti-seizure medication does not cure the cause of seizures; it helps to?

Reduce the frequency or severity of episodes.

Even if your pet is on medication, what will likely happen?

Experience future seizures and will need future trips to the vet.

Keeping a log of your pet’s seizures will help keep track of?

Important data for your vet to help treat the condition.

In your pet’s seizure logs, what should you keep note of?

• Date

• Time of day

• Time after their last meal

• How long the active phase of the seizure lasts

How do vets keep your pet healthy?

Your vet can give your pet a body condition score, which can help adjust or maintain a healthy lifestyle for your pet.

How often should you take your pet to the vet?

Pet owners should take their pets to a veterinarian for check-ups at least once a year.

For older pets, twice a year is recommended to stay on top of any illnesses that may develop with age.

How does nutrition and exercise keep a pet healthy?

Good nutrition and plenty of exercise are the best ways to keep pets fit and trim.

The main goal in pet nutrition and health is to maintain a desirable Body Condition Score (BCS), which will vary based on species, age, and special considerations per pet.

Consult your vet on what sort of diet and health strategies your pet should be on.

What should you keep track of when talking to vets?

When acquiring pets of any age, schedule a checkup with a vet as soon as possible.

Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.

Pets, especially those that go outdoors, can get internal parasites. Bring a stool sample during yearly checkups.

Pets will hide signs of illness. Yearly checkups will help determine if other diagnostic tests are needed to uncover illnesses (particularly in older pets) like kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, hyperthyroidism, etc.

What should you keep track of at home regarding pet health?

Always provide an abundance of fresh water.

To prevent injury, don’t allow your pet to roam outside alone.

Stay up-to-date with flea and heartworm medication.

Put a sticker on your front window so that rescuers know to search for animals in the event of an emergency.

Cats like to hide and nap in warm, cozy places like chimneys, dryers, engines, sofas, beds, etc. Double-check these things before using them.

Pets require exercise. Depending on your dog’s breed, they may require varying amounts of exercise. Cats should get about 15 to 20 minutes of exercise a day.

Grooming for pet health

If your pet has short hair, regularly check for external parasites, skin problems, and ear problems.

Check with your vet on the best way to trim and maintain your pet’s nails.
Brush and groom your pet regularly. Different breeds with different fur types require different amounts of grooming attention. For example, longer-haired pets should be groomed once a week.

Service animals have greater demands on their bodies, and they are responsible for the safety and well-being of their handlers. As such it is crucial that they are kept in excellent health and condition. This includes:

• Annual veterinary check-ups 

• Up-to-date vaccinations

• Frequent and consistent exercise

• Good nutrition and weight control

• Daily grooming

• Ongoing training

Service animals are highly trained to perform certain tasks for their handlers. Their care must take their particular role into account. Provide an example.

There are certain medications that can interfere with the sharpness of an animal’s senses. So for dogs that support people who are hearing or visually impaired, or dogs that use scent to determine if their handler is experiencing a medical issue, medications must be chosen carefully. 

What should you keep in mind of for service animals that perform demanding physical tasks?

The wear and tear on their bodies must be carefully monitored and cared for. Any changes in gait or movement should be brought to a veterinarian’s attention as soon as possible.

When it is working, a service dog will be wearing a?

Vest or harness that clearly indicates that this is a working animal, and not a pet.

When you encounter an animal that is working, there are certain rules that you should keep in mind:

• Always address the handler, and don’t try to distract the dog.

• Do not touch or feed a service dog. 

• Keep your own dog away from a service animal.

• Don’t make assumptions about the dog’s handler: the person with the dog may have a disability that isn’t visible.

• If you are afraid of dogs, remember that unlike other dogs, service dogs are well trained and you are safe around them.

• If you are approached by a service dog, you should inform the handler. This could be a behaviour issue that the owner should be aware of.

• If you are approached by an unattended service dog, know that this is very unusual. It could mean that the owner is in trouble somewhere. So if the dog is trying to get your attention, it will lead you to its owner. Follow the dog and be prepared to call for emergency help.

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a?

Plan and be prepared on what to do to take care of your pet.

What is the first thing you should make sure of for your pet in your emergency plan?

Make sure your pet has current identification including a collar with an ID tag and microchip.

To be able to provide immediate care for your pet, it is critical to have your?

Your veterinarian’s phone number readily available, and to know the most efficient way to get to the nearest emergency or 24-hour hospital.

Finally, it is important to have an emergency supplies kit that is stored in a waterproof container.

The following is a list of recommended items to include in this kit:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely

• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food

• Medications and copies of medical records including dates of vaccines

• A first aid kit

• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost

• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behaviour and problems

What is SUPER IMPORTANT during an evacuation?

Make sure you have a plan if you need to evacuate your home with your pet, and ALWAYS take your pet with you.

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